Crawford Aug. 27 2005

It was a large crowd, gathered together in the 101+ degree heat in Crawford, under a large tent. Just a hint of a breeze, that taunted, but did not cool. A variety of people, from elderly to the young were present. There were few pro-Bush folks around. They drove back and forth on the road, waving huge American flags, and honking their horns. One man, in particular, honked repeatedly as we sang Amazing Grace led by Joan Baez.
One thing I did not understand on any of my visits to Crawford (Aug 6, 13, 27) was the attitude of the pro-Bush folks. They spent a lot of time and energy calling us "un-American, pinkos, commies,: and worse. I can curse a blue streak and will do so at any opportunity, but these folks used words that I would not use or even repeat. They feel strongly about their cause, vut are inarticulate and tend to regurgitate the bullet points of the administration. In today's Express-News, there were 2 letters to the editor that almost word for word regurgitated the Prez's bullet points. What a waste of time. But of course, if we do not educate our children well, they will not become critical thinkers, and will be incapable of determining government fact from fiction.
I just do not understand the value of being "pro-war." The folks that protested in Crawford against the peace movement were called "pro-war" in the media. Why is being PRO WAR a good thing? Why would we want to go to war? Who benefits? Obviously the rich and corporate interests benefit, not the rest of us! Folks, stop drinking the Koolaid....wake up! There is no "good" war. We do not solve world wide terrorism by invading Iraq. It's just one country, and the root of terrorism is deeper than that. Economics and social justice play a part in the entire scenario, but we are too blind to see it.

So, more pictures....to soothe my soul:







I am a lucky Veteran. I served my country in the US Army but my "war" experiences only consist of caring for post Vietnam war Veterans, being active duty for Operation Just Cause at Fort Bragg, and caring for Gulf War veterans with neurological injuries resulting from parachute training accidents at Fort Benning. I have the utmost respect for all our war veterans. I am angry that they do not get the best of medical care. They are continually short-changed by our federal government and used as "cannon fodder" for the rich.
God bless our Veterans.
Be a supporter of our Veterans. Give to the USO; volunteer at a VA Hospital, and question the closure of Walter Reed Army Hospital...which was just getting ready to open an amputee unit. Now, only BAMC will have one.
Do you find it odd that military hospitals and VA clinics are being closed at a time when we have a need to take care of the injured?
Write your legislator!